2024 Lucille Lortel Awards winners: Kecia Lewis and Eli Gelb scoop up victories ahead of Tony Awards
Winners of the 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in Off-Broadway theater, were announced on Sunday, May 5, in a ceremony at NYU Skirball. The show was hosted by Rosalind Chao, Jen Colella, Michael Esper, 2024 Tony nominee Eden Espinosa (“Lempicka”), 2024 Tony nominee Nikki M. James (“Suffs”) and Bd Wong. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
It was a banner evening for Ars Nova. Not only did the theater company receive an honorary award for Best Body of Work, their show “(pray)” was also the top winner of the night. This co-production with National Black Theatre took home three trophies including Best Musical, Best Director for NicHi douglas and Best Ensemble.
Four other productions earned multiple awards, with “Buena Vista Social Club,” “The Comeuppance,” “Stereophonic,” and “Wet Brain” each claiming two prizes.
“Stereophonic” is a frontrunner for Best...
It was a banner evening for Ars Nova. Not only did the theater company receive an honorary award for Best Body of Work, their show “(pray)” was also the top winner of the night. This co-production with National Black Theatre took home three trophies including Best Musical, Best Director for NicHi douglas and Best Ensemble.
Four other productions earned multiple awards, with “Buena Vista Social Club,” “The Comeuppance,” “Stereophonic,” and “Wet Brain” each claiming two prizes.
“Stereophonic” is a frontrunner for Best...
- 5/6/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Alicia Keys was doing a meditation Tuesday morning to try to stay calm amid some nerves ahead of the Tony nominations announcement.
After finishing the meditation, Keys said she received a call, alerting her to the fact that Hell’s Kitchen, the semi-autobiographical musical for which she wrote the score and arranged the music, had been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including best musical. And that’s when she lost her cool.
“I kind of lost it, kind of freaked out, and I was super excited, particularly that all of the collaborators on this project are seeing so much love and so much greatness for their brilliance. I’m so excited for everybody and for Hell’s Kitchen. It’s just like, “Whoa!,” Keys said.
Keys has been working on this project for 13 years, with collaborators including book writer Kristoffer Diaz, director Michael Greif and choreographer Camille A Brown, and an Off-Broadway run in the fall.
After finishing the meditation, Keys said she received a call, alerting her to the fact that Hell’s Kitchen, the semi-autobiographical musical for which she wrote the score and arranged the music, had been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including best musical. And that’s when she lost her cool.
“I kind of lost it, kind of freaked out, and I was super excited, particularly that all of the collaborators on this project are seeing so much love and so much greatness for their brilliance. I’m so excited for everybody and for Hell’s Kitchen. It’s just like, “Whoa!,” Keys said.
Keys has been working on this project for 13 years, with collaborators including book writer Kristoffer Diaz, director Michael Greif and choreographer Camille A Brown, and an Off-Broadway run in the fall.
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A musical inspired by the life of Alicia Keys and a play that loosely draws on the story of Fleetwood Mac — Hell’s Kitchen and Stereophonic, respectively — cleaned up at the 2024 Tony Awards nominations. Both received 13 nominations, more than any other show this year.
Hell’s Kitchen was nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (for Kristoffer Diaz), Best Direction (Michael Greif), and Best Choreography (Camille A. Brown), while its stars Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, and Kecia Lewis all picked up acting nods. But despite its impressive haul,...
Hell’s Kitchen was nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (for Kristoffer Diaz), Best Direction (Michael Greif), and Best Choreography (Camille A. Brown), while its stars Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, and Kecia Lewis all picked up acting nods. But despite its impressive haul,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, May 2 by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry. The reveal of the roster of contenders was carried on the Tonys YouTube channel. While the nominations for the 77th annual Tony Awards were determined by a few dozen theater professionals, winners will be decided by upwards of 800 members of the Broadway community.
Three dozen shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and five revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, 15 new tuners were in contention as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 16 at Lincoln Center and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise...
Three dozen shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and five revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, 15 new tuners were in contention as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 16 at Lincoln Center and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise...
- 4/30/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Alicia Keys, the Grammy-winning musician, has made her mark on Broadway with her new musical Hell’s Kitchen, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in New York City.
Located just steps from the iconic Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, theater enthusiasts can now secure their tickets to experience Hell’s Kitchen.
Set in a modest apartment within Hell’s Kitchen, the musical revolves around the life of 17-year-old Ali, who harbors ambitious dreams and grapples with a cautious mother determined to prevent Ali from repeating her own past mistakes. As Ali falls in love with a talented young drummer and befriends a piano teacher who lives in the same building, a powerful narrative explores the vast potential of Ali’s future.
This latest theatrical endeavor marks Keys’ second venture into Broadway after her involvement in the 2011 play Stick Fly, for which she was a composer. Renowned for her remarkable music career, which has garnered her 16 Grammy Awards,...
Located just steps from the iconic Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, theater enthusiasts can now secure their tickets to experience Hell’s Kitchen.
Set in a modest apartment within Hell’s Kitchen, the musical revolves around the life of 17-year-old Ali, who harbors ambitious dreams and grapples with a cautious mother determined to prevent Ali from repeating her own past mistakes. As Ali falls in love with a talented young drummer and befriends a piano teacher who lives in the same building, a powerful narrative explores the vast potential of Ali’s future.
This latest theatrical endeavor marks Keys’ second venture into Broadway after her involvement in the 2011 play Stick Fly, for which she was a composer. Renowned for her remarkable music career, which has garnered her 16 Grammy Awards,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
“It’s not just about setting time and space, but it’s also about the dancers being time and being space,” explains Camille A. Brown of her work on “Hell’s Kitchen.” The choreographer found that the 1990s setting of the script, combined with music from Alicia Keys, allowed her to explore movement from multiple entry points. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“Hell’s Kitchen” tells the story of Ali (Maleah Joi Moon), loosely adapted from Keys’ own coming-of-age journey in New York City. She lives in Manhattan Plaza, an artist residence in Hell’s Kitchen, under the eye of her over-protective mother (Shoshana Bean). Ali longs to dive into the beating heart of the city and live on her own terms. A chance encounter with a pianist in the building (Kecia Lewis) sets her on a path of self-discovery.
See 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards nominations: ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ ‘Stereophonic...
“Hell’s Kitchen” tells the story of Ali (Maleah Joi Moon), loosely adapted from Keys’ own coming-of-age journey in New York City. She lives in Manhattan Plaza, an artist residence in Hell’s Kitchen, under the eye of her over-protective mother (Shoshana Bean). Ali longs to dive into the beating heart of the city and live on her own terms. A chance encounter with a pianist in the building (Kecia Lewis) sets her on a path of self-discovery.
See 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards nominations: ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ ‘Stereophonic...
- 4/21/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Nominations for the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards were announced today by Amber Iman and George Abud, two stars of Broadway’s “Lempicka.” The Lortels honor outstanding achievement in Off-Broadway theater. The 2024 ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 5 at NYU Skirball Center. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
It’s common for productions to begin their life Off-Broadway before transferring to the Main Stem, so many of this year’s Tony Awards hopefuls are among the list of Lortel nominations. Chief among these contenders is “Hell’s Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical from Alicia Keys. That tuner garnered five Lortel nominations. These include Best Musical, Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown, a Lead Performer bid for Maleah Joi Moon, and Featured Performer bids for Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis. All performance categories at the Lortel Awards are gender neutral.
It’s common for productions to begin their life Off-Broadway before transferring to the Main Stem, so many of this year’s Tony Awards hopefuls are among the list of Lortel nominations. Chief among these contenders is “Hell’s Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical from Alicia Keys. That tuner garnered five Lortel nominations. These include Best Musical, Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown, a Lead Performer bid for Maleah Joi Moon, and Featured Performer bids for Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis. All performance categories at the Lortel Awards are gender neutral.
- 4/4/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Since their inception, the directing categories at the Tony Awards have mostly been a boys’ club. Not only are the vast majority of winners men, but so are most of the nominees. But the 2024 ceremony could upend these statistics as more women are helming Broadway shows than ever before. This could finally be the year where they make up the majority of directing nominees.
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
- 3/11/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The acclaimed Off Broadway cast of the Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen will make the move to Broadway when the show begins previews next month, producers announced today.
Starring in the Broadway staging will be Shoshana Bean (Mr. Saturday Night), Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton), Kecia Lewis (Ain’t Misbehavin’) and, in their Broadway debuts, Chris Lee and Maleah Joi Moon.
The casting was announced today by producer Akw Productions. Previews begin at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on Thursday, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20.
Hell’s Kitchen features music and lyrics by Keys and book by Kristoffer Diaz. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
The musical made its world premiere last fall in a sold-out engagement at The Public Theater. The official synopsis: “There’s a place where the rhythm of the city is music,...
Starring in the Broadway staging will be Shoshana Bean (Mr. Saturday Night), Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton), Kecia Lewis (Ain’t Misbehavin’) and, in their Broadway debuts, Chris Lee and Maleah Joi Moon.
The casting was announced today by producer Akw Productions. Previews begin at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on Thursday, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20.
Hell’s Kitchen features music and lyrics by Keys and book by Kristoffer Diaz. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
The musical made its world premiere last fall in a sold-out engagement at The Public Theater. The official synopsis: “There’s a place where the rhythm of the city is music,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Hell’s Kitchen, the musical based loosely on the life of Alicia Keys, is headed to Broadway this spring. The show, with a score written by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, made its world premiere at the Public Theater on Nov. 19. The show will transfer to the Shubert Theater on Broadway starting March 28, with an opening night on Apr. 20.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.
- 12/5/2023
- by Carita Rizzo
- Rollingstone.com
Hell’s Kitchen, the new musical written by Alicia Keys, is heading to Broadway in Spring 2024!
The musical is currently playing an acclaimed, sold-out run at The Public Theater in downtown New York City and it will move to Broadway next year.
The show features music and lyrics by Alicia, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and direction by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
Keep reading to find out more…
Hell’s Kitchen will begin preview performances on March 28, 2024 ahead of an official opening night on April 20, 2024 at the Shubert Theatre. Broadway favorites Shoshana Bean and Brandon Victor Dixon are leading the cast of the off-Broadway run, though casting for the upcoming transfer has not yet been announced.
The musical is loosely based on Alicia’s own experiences growing up in 90s New York City and her relationship with her mom inspired the show’s central story: a moving,...
The musical is currently playing an acclaimed, sold-out run at The Public Theater in downtown New York City and it will move to Broadway next year.
The show features music and lyrics by Alicia, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and direction by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
Keep reading to find out more…
Hell’s Kitchen will begin preview performances on March 28, 2024 ahead of an official opening night on April 20, 2024 at the Shubert Theatre. Broadway favorites Shoshana Bean and Brandon Victor Dixon are leading the cast of the off-Broadway run, though casting for the upcoming transfer has not yet been announced.
The musical is loosely based on Alicia’s own experiences growing up in 90s New York City and her relationship with her mom inspired the show’s central story: a moving,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Hell’s Kitchen, the Alicia Keys musical currently play a sold-out run Off Broadway, will transfer to Broadway’s Shubert Theater this spring, producers announced today.
Directed by Michael Greif, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Shubert on Thursday, March 28, 2024 ahead of an opening night on Saturday, April 20. The musical features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, and includes such Keys hits as “You Don’t Know My Name,” “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One” and “Empire State of Mind,” among others.
Casting will be announced shortly. The critically lauded Off Broadway cast features Maleah Joi Moon as the Keys-inspired character Ali, and Shoshana Bean as her mother Jersey.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC,” Keys said in a statement,...
Directed by Michael Greif, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Shubert on Thursday, March 28, 2024 ahead of an opening night on Saturday, April 20. The musical features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, and includes such Keys hits as “You Don’t Know My Name,” “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One” and “Empire State of Mind,” among others.
Casting will be announced shortly. The critically lauded Off Broadway cast features Maleah Joi Moon as the Keys-inspired character Ali, and Shoshana Bean as her mother Jersey.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC,” Keys said in a statement,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In the second act of Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia Keys’s autobiographical passion project over a decade in the making, absent father Davis (Brandon Victor Dixon) sits down at a piano and asks his wary teenage daughter, Ali (Maleah Joi Moon), if she remembers the song he wrote for her that they always used to sing together. He starts to play, and the song is “If I Ain’t Got You,” the second single from Keys’s second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys.
Ali tentatively joins him, the electricity of Keys’s surging melody and yearning lyrics coursing across the stage and supercharging the father and daughter’s fractured relationship. As staged by Michael Greif, it’s a lovely picture, with Davis at the piano far back and Ali at the edge of the stage looking away from him and toward the audience. Sparks fly, briefly, but despite...
Ali tentatively joins him, the electricity of Keys’s surging melody and yearning lyrics coursing across the stage and supercharging the father and daughter’s fractured relationship. As staged by Michael Greif, it’s a lovely picture, with Davis at the piano far back and Ali at the edge of the stage looking away from him and toward the audience. Sparks fly, briefly, but despite...
- 11/20/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Alicia Keys serves as the inspiration for a new musical, Hell’s Kitchen. On Thursday, Keys announced that a musical loosely based on her life and featuring her hits will open at New York’s Public Theater later this year on Nov. 19.
The show will tackle “societal issues facing young people about identity, belonging, and finding yourself,” along with navigating life and love. It’ll follow 17-year-old Ali in a “cramped apartment” off Times Square as she strives toward the New York dream. “When Ali falls for a talented young drummer,...
The show will tackle “societal issues facing young people about identity, belonging, and finding yourself,” along with navigating life and love. It’ll follow 17-year-old Ali in a “cramped apartment” off Times Square as she strives toward the New York dream. “When Ali falls for a talented young drummer,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
The new Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen will make its world premiere this fall as part of the 2023-24 season of New York’s Public Theater Off Broadway, the Public announced today.
With music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Public on October 24, with an opening night of November 19. The engagement will run through December 10.
The cast includes Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, among others. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
The musical is described as a coming-of-age story set in a cramped apartment in the neighborhood of the title near Times Square, where 17-year-old Ali is desperate to get her piece of the New York dream. Ali’s mother is just as determined to protect her daughter from the same mistakes she made. When Ali...
With music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Public on October 24, with an opening night of November 19. The engagement will run through December 10.
The cast includes Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, among others. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
The musical is described as a coming-of-age story set in a cramped apartment in the neighborhood of the title near Times Square, where 17-year-old Ali is desperate to get her piece of the New York dream. Ali’s mother is just as determined to protect her daughter from the same mistakes she made. When Ali...
- 6/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Laurie Metcalf and Tatiana Maslany are set to star in Grey House on Broadway.
Producers Tom Kirdahy and Robert Ahrens announced the cast and opening for the play’s New York premiere on Tuesday. Metcalf and Maslany will be joined by Paul Sparks, Sophia Anne Caruso and Millicent Simmonds in the Levi Holloway-written and Joe Mantello-directed production. Preview performances will begin April 29, with the show’s official opening set for May 30 at the Lyceum Theatre.
“The moment we encountered Levi Holloway’s Grey House, we knew we had to produce this exciting, sophisticated and terrifying new play,” the producers said in a statement. “We are thrilled to bring the horror genre to Broadway, helmed by one of the greatest directors of our time, Joe Mantello. Grey House will be unlike anything Broadway audiences have ever experienced, brought to life by extraordinary actors — Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany and Paul Sparks...
Producers Tom Kirdahy and Robert Ahrens announced the cast and opening for the play’s New York premiere on Tuesday. Metcalf and Maslany will be joined by Paul Sparks, Sophia Anne Caruso and Millicent Simmonds in the Levi Holloway-written and Joe Mantello-directed production. Preview performances will begin April 29, with the show’s official opening set for May 30 at the Lyceum Theatre.
“The moment we encountered Levi Holloway’s Grey House, we knew we had to produce this exciting, sophisticated and terrifying new play,” the producers said in a statement. “We are thrilled to bring the horror genre to Broadway, helmed by one of the greatest directors of our time, Joe Mantello. Grey House will be unlike anything Broadway audiences have ever experienced, brought to life by extraordinary actors — Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany and Paul Sparks...
- 2/21/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Grey House, Levi Holloway’s bumps-in-the-night stage thriller, will make its New York debut on Broadway this spring with a cast that features Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany, Paul Sparks, Sophia Anne Caruso, and Millicent Simmonds. Joe Mantello will direct.
With an opening date – Tuesday, May 30 – falling after the close of the current Broadway season, Grey House will be the first Broadway production of the 2023-2024 season. Previews begin at the Lyceum Theatre on Saturday, April 29.
Announcing itself with a teaser trailer that feels less Broadway than horror film (watch it above), Grey House, described by critics following a Chicago staging as “terrifying,” follows a couple who crash their car in the mountains and seek shelter in an isolated cabin. The synopsis continues: “Its inhabitants, though somewhat unusual, are eager to make their guests feel right at home. But as the blizzard outside rages on and one night turns into several,...
With an opening date – Tuesday, May 30 – falling after the close of the current Broadway season, Grey House will be the first Broadway production of the 2023-2024 season. Previews begin at the Lyceum Theatre on Saturday, April 29.
Announcing itself with a teaser trailer that feels less Broadway than horror film (watch it above), Grey House, described by critics following a Chicago staging as “terrifying,” follows a couple who crash their car in the mountains and seek shelter in an isolated cabin. The synopsis continues: “Its inhabitants, though somewhat unusual, are eager to make their guests feel right at home. But as the blizzard outside rages on and one night turns into several,...
- 2/21/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A new musical featuring the music and lyrics by Alicia Keys, and apparently based on the R&b singer-songwriter’s young life, is in development at New York’s Off Broadway Public Theater.
The production, titled Hell’s Kitchen after the Manhattan neighborhood where Keys was raised, has some high-profile names attached. According to an Actors’ Equity audition call sheet posted this week, Michael Greif is attached to direct, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz (the Public’s 2019 stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules) and choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Though casting hasn’t been announced, most if not all of the lead roles have already been filled, including the roles of Ali, “a strong, stubborn girl with a rebellious streak” apparently based on Keys, Jersey, “Ali’s mother,...
The production, titled Hell’s Kitchen after the Manhattan neighborhood where Keys was raised, has some high-profile names attached. According to an Actors’ Equity audition call sheet posted this week, Michael Greif is attached to direct, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz (the Public’s 2019 stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules) and choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Though casting hasn’t been announced, most if not all of the lead roles have already been filled, including the roles of Ali, “a strong, stubborn girl with a rebellious streak” apparently based on Keys, Jersey, “Ali’s mother,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Works & Process at the Guggenheim presents Champion—an opera by Terence Blanchard, with a libretto by Michael Cristofer—featuring performances by members of the cast and a moderated discussion about the work’s forthcoming company premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. Tickets available now at worksandprocess.org.
Champion
An Opera by Terence Blanchard
Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Monday, March 20, 7:30Pm
Tickets 35–45, Choose What You Pay
Experience highlights from six-time Grammy-winning composer Terence Blanchard’s haunting “opera in jazz.” Following their triumphant 2021 collaboration on Fire Shut Up in My Bones, Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, director James Robinson, and choreographer Camille A. Brown reunite with Blanchard to explore the life of boxer Emile Griffith. Blanchard’s first opera, Champion tells the story of Griffith’s rise from obscurity to world champion, his struggle with his sexuality, and how a knockout of a homophobic rival in the early 1960s led to tragedy.
Champion
An Opera by Terence Blanchard
Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Monday, March 20, 7:30Pm
Tickets 35–45, Choose What You Pay
Experience highlights from six-time Grammy-winning composer Terence Blanchard’s haunting “opera in jazz.” Following their triumphant 2021 collaboration on Fire Shut Up in My Bones, Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, director James Robinson, and choreographer Camille A. Brown reunite with Blanchard to explore the life of boxer Emile Griffith. Blanchard’s first opera, Champion tells the story of Griffith’s rise from obscurity to world champion, his struggle with his sexuality, and how a knockout of a homophobic rival in the early 1960s led to tragedy.
- 2/6/2023
- by Music Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
Click here to read the full article.
A few weeks ago, during a reflective conversation, a friend described 2020 as a fever dream. The uncertainty provoked by the pandemic and the potential of that summer’s uprisings brought many people closer to understanding the demands they could make of themselves and each other to create a safer world. It was a year of answering calls to action, of protesting and demonstrating, of helping neighbors, of corporate promises to listen and learn, of checking in emotionally and checking out of the death-making capitalist machine. An intoxicating energy coursed through those days — no wonder it felt unreal.
If 2020 was marked by promises, then 2022 was defined by their ghosts. How many of those pledges went unfulfilled? How many commitments were quietly abandoned? Lethargy settled in as we continued to live in unprecedented times: Corporate profits increased while individual pockets and sanities contracted, scientists and...
A few weeks ago, during a reflective conversation, a friend described 2020 as a fever dream. The uncertainty provoked by the pandemic and the potential of that summer’s uprisings brought many people closer to understanding the demands they could make of themselves and each other to create a safer world. It was a year of answering calls to action, of protesting and demonstrating, of helping neighbors, of corporate promises to listen and learn, of checking in emotionally and checking out of the death-making capitalist machine. An intoxicating energy coursed through those days — no wonder it felt unreal.
If 2020 was marked by promises, then 2022 was defined by their ghosts. How many of those pledges went unfulfilled? How many commitments were quietly abandoned? Lethargy settled in as we continued to live in unprecedented times: Corporate profits increased while individual pockets and sanities contracted, scientists and...
- 12/20/2022
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: CAA has signed three-time Tony Award-nominated director and choreographer Camille A. Brown in all areas.
Brown made her Broadway directorial debut last season with the revival of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf. With the production, Brown became the first Black woman in 67 years to direct and choreograph a Broadway show.
For Colored Girls received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Direction of a Play and Best Choreography. She was nominated in 2019 for her choreography of Choir Boy.
Brown has also been nominated for the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Chita Rivera, and Lucille Lortel Awards for her work in theater.
She made her feature film debut as the choreographer of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix, directed by George C. Wolfe. She also choreographed NBC’s Emmy Award-winning Jesus Christ Superstar Live.
Brown is Artistic Director of Camille A.
Brown made her Broadway directorial debut last season with the revival of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf. With the production, Brown became the first Black woman in 67 years to direct and choreograph a Broadway show.
For Colored Girls received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Direction of a Play and Best Choreography. She was nominated in 2019 for her choreography of Choir Boy.
Brown has also been nominated for the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Chita Rivera, and Lucille Lortel Awards for her work in theater.
She made her feature film debut as the choreographer of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix, directed by George C. Wolfe. She also choreographed NBC’s Emmy Award-winning Jesus Christ Superstar Live.
Brown is Artistic Director of Camille A.
- 9/30/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Out of all the winners (and also-rans) in the 26 competitive categories at the 2022 Tony Awards, 18 results stand out as particularly noteworthy when considered in the context of history. So what were this year’s most interesting facts, records, and milestones? Check out the complete list of winners here.
1. The following productions that received multiple Tony nominations, but went home empty-handed were “American Buffalo,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Clyde’s,” “For Colored Girls,” “Flying Over Sunset,” “Hangmen,” “How I Learned to Drive,” “Macbeth,” “Mr. Saturday Night,” “The Music Man,” “Potus,” and “Trouble in Mind.”
SEESecond Stage Theater (‘Take Me Out’) earns 1st Tony Award since purchasing a Broadway house
2. The following individuals who had multiple nominations this year, but went home empty-handed were set designer Beowulf Boritt (“Flying Over Sunset” and “Potus”), director/choreographer Camille A. Brown (“For Colored Girls”), actor/book writer Billy Crystal (“Mr. Saturday Night”), director/book writer Conor McPherson...
1. The following productions that received multiple Tony nominations, but went home empty-handed were “American Buffalo,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Clyde’s,” “For Colored Girls,” “Flying Over Sunset,” “Hangmen,” “How I Learned to Drive,” “Macbeth,” “Mr. Saturday Night,” “The Music Man,” “Potus,” and “Trouble in Mind.”
SEESecond Stage Theater (‘Take Me Out’) earns 1st Tony Award since purchasing a Broadway house
2. The following individuals who had multiple nominations this year, but went home empty-handed were set designer Beowulf Boritt (“Flying Over Sunset” and “Potus”), director/choreographer Camille A. Brown (“For Colored Girls”), actor/book writer Billy Crystal (“Mr. Saturday Night”), director/book writer Conor McPherson...
- 6/13/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Click here to read the full article.
Toby Marlow, the Six: The Musical co-creator, was among the night’s historic winners during the 2022 Tony Awards held Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall.
Marlow took this win during the Tony Awards’ first-hour special, Act One, marking a significant moment for inclusion and diversity on Broadway by becoming the first openly nonbinary composer-lyricist in the show’s history to win for best original score.
In the Tonys press room, he celebrated LGBTQ representation on Broadway’s stages during the 2021-2022 season. “It just feels really amazing to be part of a season where there’s so much queerness on stage explicitly,” Marlow said, while noting that with more queer people coming to Broadway, it will be reflected more. “Representation is pretty fab.”
While accepting his win for best book for a musical, Michael R. Jackson celebrated Black gay representation and also...
Toby Marlow, the Six: The Musical co-creator, was among the night’s historic winners during the 2022 Tony Awards held Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall.
Marlow took this win during the Tony Awards’ first-hour special, Act One, marking a significant moment for inclusion and diversity on Broadway by becoming the first openly nonbinary composer-lyricist in the show’s history to win for best original score.
In the Tonys press room, he celebrated LGBTQ representation on Broadway’s stages during the 2021-2022 season. “It just feels really amazing to be part of a season where there’s so much queerness on stage explicitly,” Marlow said, while noting that with more queer people coming to Broadway, it will be reflected more. “Representation is pretty fab.”
While accepting his win for best book for a musical, Michael R. Jackson celebrated Black gay representation and also...
- 6/13/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony Awards nominations were announced on Monday, May 9 by Adrienne Warren and Joshua Henry. While the nominations for the 75th annual Tony Awards were determined by a few dozen theater professionals, winners were decided by upwards of 650 members of the Broadway community.
The Tonys take place June 12 at Radio City Music Hall hosted by newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The 2022 Tony Awards winners list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
“Girl From the North Country”
“Mj”
“Mr. Saturday Night”
“Paradise Square”
“Six”
X — “A Strange Loop”
Best Musical Revival
“Caroline, or Change”
X — “Company”
“The Music Man”
Best Actor (Musical)
Billy Crystal, “Mr. Saturday Night”
X — Myles Frost, “Mj”
Hugh Jackman, “The Music Man”
Rob McClure, “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Jaquel Spivey, “A Strange Loop”
Best Actress (Musical)
Sharon D Clarke, “Caroline, Or Change”
Carmen Cusack, “Flying Over Sunset”
Sutton Foster, “The Music Man”
X — Joaquina Kalukango, “Paradise Square”
Mare Winningham,...
The Tonys take place June 12 at Radio City Music Hall hosted by newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The 2022 Tony Awards winners list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
“Girl From the North Country”
“Mj”
“Mr. Saturday Night”
“Paradise Square”
“Six”
X — “A Strange Loop”
Best Musical Revival
“Caroline, or Change”
X — “Company”
“The Music Man”
Best Actor (Musical)
Billy Crystal, “Mr. Saturday Night”
X — Myles Frost, “Mj”
Hugh Jackman, “The Music Man”
Rob McClure, “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Jaquel Spivey, “A Strange Loop”
Best Actress (Musical)
Sharon D Clarke, “Caroline, Or Change”
Carmen Cusack, “Flying Over Sunset”
Sutton Foster, “The Music Man”
X — Joaquina Kalukango, “Paradise Square”
Mare Winningham,...
- 6/12/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
We are just days away from the 2022 Tony Awards on Sunday, June 12 and voters are making their final decisions on who will emerge victorious on Broadway’s biggest night. Before you lock in your final Tony predictions, be sure to catch up with every exclusive Gold Derby interview with this season’s nominees. I had the honor of talking with 21 Tony nominees this season, all of whom were eager to share their stories as Broadway roared back to life after a pandemic-induced intermission.
A whopping 13 of these artists are first time nominees, all of whom are about to have one of the most exciting nights of their life. Some of these first timers are veterans of the stage, like Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Take Me Out”) or Ron Cephas Jones (“Clyde’s”), but have narrowly missed Tony recognition until now. Then there’s the queen of Off-Broadway, Deirdre O’Connell, who lip...
A whopping 13 of these artists are first time nominees, all of whom are about to have one of the most exciting nights of their life. Some of these first timers are veterans of the stage, like Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Take Me Out”) or Ron Cephas Jones (“Clyde’s”), but have narrowly missed Tony recognition until now. Then there’s the queen of Off-Broadway, Deirdre O’Connell, who lip...
- 6/9/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
With just days to go before the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 12, Gold Derby’s trio of Broadway pundits gathered together to dish which shows are ahead in the race. Susan Haskins-Doloff and David Buchanan join me to hash out the 11 play categories, where “The Lehman Trilogy” dominates the race for new work while the popularity of five revivals muddy the tea leaves as to which classic will emerge victorious. Top top it off, a reduced number of eligible voters has thrown the race into chaos. Watch the full video slugfest above.
I suggest that “there’s a lot more opportunity for surprises” when it comes to the play categories, because we may have the lowest pool of eligible voters in modern Tony history. Broadway fans will remember that the Tony Awards recently instituted a virtual portal where every voter must log the performance they attended of every nominated production.
I suggest that “there’s a lot more opportunity for surprises” when it comes to the play categories, because we may have the lowest pool of eligible voters in modern Tony history. Broadway fans will remember that the Tony Awards recently instituted a virtual portal where every voter must log the performance they attended of every nominated production.
- 6/9/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The countdown to the Tony Awards has a officially begun On June 12, the brightest stars of the 2021-22 season will shine even brighter as they gather at the iconic Radio City Music Hall to celebrate Broadway's biggest night. Leading up to the 75th Annual Tony Awards, BroadwayWorld is getting up close and personal with the nominees. Today we're studying up on Camille A. Brown...
- 6/5/2022
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Winners of the 88th Annual Drama League Awards were announced on Friday, May 20 2022 at a ceremony hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Dilella at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The Drama League Awards honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions from the 2021-2022 theater season.
Tony Awards frontrunners mostly dominated the production categories. Best Musical went to “A Strange Loop,” Best Play went to “The Lehman Trilogy,” and Best Revival of a Musical was handed to “Company.” The Second Stage Theater production of “Take Me Out” prevailed in the hotly competitive Best Revival of a Play category.
The winners of the Drama League’s inaugural categories for direction of a musical and play went to Marianne Elliott (“Company”) and Kate Whoriskey (“Clyde’s”), respectively. Elliott sits far out front in the corresponding Tony race, though Whoriskey’s triumph comes as a surprise. This frequent collaborator of Lynn Nottage failed to earn a Tony nomination,...
Tony Awards frontrunners mostly dominated the production categories. Best Musical went to “A Strange Loop,” Best Play went to “The Lehman Trilogy,” and Best Revival of a Musical was handed to “Company.” The Second Stage Theater production of “Take Me Out” prevailed in the hotly competitive Best Revival of a Play category.
The winners of the Drama League’s inaugural categories for direction of a musical and play went to Marianne Elliott (“Company”) and Kate Whoriskey (“Clyde’s”), respectively. Elliott sits far out front in the corresponding Tony race, though Whoriskey’s triumph comes as a surprise. This frequent collaborator of Lynn Nottage failed to earn a Tony nomination,...
- 5/22/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
“Becoming the director provided me a space to really create my own vision and my own voice in what I wanted to say,” explains director and choreographer Camille A. Brown of “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf.” When this revival of Ntozake Shange’s landmark play opened Off-Broadway, Brown served only as choreographer. But for the Broadway transfer, she also took over as director. She earned two Tony nominations for her efforts. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
Brown’s dual roles and dual nominations have historic importance. She is the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer for a Broadway show in 67 years. The last time this happened was with Katherine Dunham in 1955. Additionally, she and fellow nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz (“The Skin of Our Teeth”) are just the second and third women of color to be nominated for Best Director of a Play.
Brown’s dual roles and dual nominations have historic importance. She is the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer for a Broadway show in 67 years. The last time this happened was with Katherine Dunham in 1955. Additionally, she and fellow nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz (“The Skin of Our Teeth”) are just the second and third women of color to be nominated for Best Director of a Play.
- 5/18/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The 2022 Tony Award nominations have been unveiled and, per usual, we have opinions! Susan Haskins joined us in a lively discussion to dissect this crop of nominees. We reveal what we think were the cruelest snubs, most pleasant surprises, and analyze how this set of nominees may change the Tony race as we head towards the June 12th ceremony. Watch the full video above.
While our panel was happy overall with how much the Tony nominators were able to spread the wealth this year, not every production made the cut. Sam noted that “all the plays were standouts this year,” but five stellar new works were totally skunked: “Birthday Candles,” “Chicken & Biscuits,” “Is This a Room,” “Pass Over,” and “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” There’s not enough slots for everyone, but when we saw so many categories expand due to ties in voting (“how many ties can you have?...
While our panel was happy overall with how much the Tony nominators were able to spread the wealth this year, not every production made the cut. Sam noted that “all the plays were standouts this year,” but five stellar new works were totally skunked: “Birthday Candles,” “Chicken & Biscuits,” “Is This a Room,” “Pass Over,” and “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” There’s not enough slots for everyone, but when we saw so many categories expand due to ties in voting (“how many ties can you have?...
- 5/16/2022
- by Sam Eckmann and David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, nominated for seven Tony Awards this week, has extended its engagement by two weeks after previously announcing a closing date.
The “choreopoem” play, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, will now run through Sunday, June 5, at Broadway’s Booth Theatre. The previously announced final performance had been May 22.
The play has also gotten a social media boost from a recent grassroots campaign, kickstarted by theater journalist and producer Ayanna Prescod, in which donors sponsor pairs of tickets to female-identifying people of color.
The new production of the 1976 play has been Tony-nominated for Best Revival as well as in categories for lighting, sound, costumes and featured actress (Kenita R. Miller). Brown became the first person to ever be nominated for both Best Direction of a Play and Best Choreography, and the...
The “choreopoem” play, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, will now run through Sunday, June 5, at Broadway’s Booth Theatre. The previously announced final performance had been May 22.
The play has also gotten a social media boost from a recent grassroots campaign, kickstarted by theater journalist and producer Ayanna Prescod, in which donors sponsor pairs of tickets to female-identifying people of color.
The new production of the 1976 play has been Tony-nominated for Best Revival as well as in categories for lighting, sound, costumes and featured actress (Kenita R. Miller). Brown became the first person to ever be nominated for both Best Direction of a Play and Best Choreography, and the...
- 5/12/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Out of all the nominees spread across the 26 categories at the 2022 Tony Awards, a number of them stand out as particularly noteworthy. Check out the complete list of nominees here.
SEEJennifer Hudson may Egot at the Tonys: ‘Strange Loop’ producer already has an Oscar, Emmy, and 2 Grammys
1. The following productions nominated this year were originally scheduled to open in the 2019-20 Broadway season before performances shut down due to Covid-19: “American Buffalo,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Company,” “Diana,” “Flying Over Sunset,” “Hangmen,” “How I Learned to Drive,” “The Lehman Trilogy,” “The Minutes,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Plaza Suite,” “Six,” and “Take Me Out.” While “Girl From the North County” did actually open just the week before Broadway shutdown, it was too late for that show to be eligible for the 74th Tony Awards as not enough voters were even able to see it then.
2. The following shows that only received one Tony nomination are: “Diana,...
SEEJennifer Hudson may Egot at the Tonys: ‘Strange Loop’ producer already has an Oscar, Emmy, and 2 Grammys
1. The following productions nominated this year were originally scheduled to open in the 2019-20 Broadway season before performances shut down due to Covid-19: “American Buffalo,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Company,” “Diana,” “Flying Over Sunset,” “Hangmen,” “How I Learned to Drive,” “The Lehman Trilogy,” “The Minutes,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Plaza Suite,” “Six,” and “Take Me Out.” While “Girl From the North County” did actually open just the week before Broadway shutdown, it was too late for that show to be eligible for the 74th Tony Awards as not enough voters were even able to see it then.
2. The following shows that only received one Tony nomination are: “Diana,...
- 5/10/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
With the announcement of the Tony Awards nominations on May 9, we now know the shows and performers in contention for the 75th annual ceremony. The 29 members of the Tony nominating committee recognized 29 of the 34 eligible productions across 25 competitive categories.
See the complete list of 2022 Tony Awards nominees
The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “A Strange Loop” with score and book by Michael R. Jackson leads with 11 nominations, including Best Musical and for three of its cast members. Two other new musicals — “Mj The Musical” and “Paradise Square” — are right behind with 10 bids apiece. Both took slots in the top category of Best Musical and performed exceedingly well in the design categories. From the four eligible musical revivals, the late Stephen Sondheim‘s “Company” leads with nine nominations.
All 13 eligible musicals and musical revivals earned at least one nomination. Smash success “Six: The Musical” reaped eight bids, but as our users predicted, none...
See the complete list of 2022 Tony Awards nominees
The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “A Strange Loop” with score and book by Michael R. Jackson leads with 11 nominations, including Best Musical and for three of its cast members. Two other new musicals — “Mj The Musical” and “Paradise Square” — are right behind with 10 bids apiece. Both took slots in the top category of Best Musical and performed exceedingly well in the design categories. From the four eligible musical revivals, the late Stephen Sondheim‘s “Company” leads with nine nominations.
All 13 eligible musicals and musical revivals earned at least one nomination. Smash success “Six: The Musical” reaped eight bids, but as our users predicted, none...
- 5/9/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Updated with full list of nominees: Tony Awards nominations were announced Monday morning, and Strange Loop, Michael R. Jackson’s autobiographical musical starring Jaquel Spivey, took the most nominations with 11, while Mj, the Michael Jackson musical, and Paradise Square each earned 10. Company took nine, The Lehman Trilogy and Six garnered eight, and both for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf and Girl From the North Country took seven.
With six nominations were The Music Man and The Skin of Our Teeth, with Clyde’s, Hangmen and Mr. Saturday Night taking five.
At four nominations were American Buffalo, Flying Over Sunset, Take Me Out, and Trouble in Mind. With three nominations were Caroline, or Change, Dana H., How I Learned to Drive, Macbeth, Potus and Skeleton Crew. Taking single noms were Diana, The Musical, Funny Girl, Lackawanna Blues, The Minutes, Mrs. Doubtfire and Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite.
With six nominations were The Music Man and The Skin of Our Teeth, with Clyde’s, Hangmen and Mr. Saturday Night taking five.
At four nominations were American Buffalo, Flying Over Sunset, Take Me Out, and Trouble in Mind. With three nominations were Caroline, or Change, Dana H., How I Learned to Drive, Macbeth, Potus and Skeleton Crew. Taking single noms were Diana, The Musical, Funny Girl, Lackawanna Blues, The Minutes, Mrs. Doubtfire and Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite.
- 5/9/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Tony Awards nominations were announced on Monday, May 9 by Adrienne Warren and Joshua Henry. The reveal of the roster of contenders was carried on the Tonys YouTube channel. While the nominations for the 75th annual Tony Awards were determined by a few dozen theater professionals, winners will be decided by upwards of 800 members of the Broadway community.
Thirty-four shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are a dozen original works and nine revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners are in contention as are four musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was May 4.
The Tony Awards had been set for June 12 at Radio City Music Hall and will be hosted by newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The full and complete list below includes all 25 competitive categories at the 2022 Tony Awards.
Musicals
Best Musical
“Girl From...
Thirty-four shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are a dozen original works and nine revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners are in contention as are four musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was May 4.
The Tony Awards had been set for June 12 at Radio City Music Hall and will be hosted by newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The full and complete list below includes all 25 competitive categories at the 2022 Tony Awards.
Musicals
Best Musical
“Girl From...
- 5/9/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, will close on Sunday, May 22, several months earlier than originally planned.
The production originally was scheduled to run through Aug. 14.
Directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, the revival of the groundbreaking 1976 show opened to good reviews on April 20 but has struggled at the box office. Last week, the show filled only 51 of available seats at the Booth Theatre, grossing 250,175 with a 79 average ticket.
The closing announcement arrives the week before Tony Award nominations are to be announced on Monday, May 9. The revue-style production has received nominations from such critics’ groups as the New York Drama League and the New York Outer Critics Circle.
for colored girls… marked Brown’s Broadway directorial debut. She is the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on Broadway in more than 65 years.
The production originally was scheduled to run through Aug. 14.
Directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, the revival of the groundbreaking 1976 show opened to good reviews on April 20 but has struggled at the box office. Last week, the show filled only 51 of available seats at the Booth Theatre, grossing 250,175 with a 79 average ticket.
The closing announcement arrives the week before Tony Award nominations are to be announced on Monday, May 9. The revue-style production has received nominations from such critics’ groups as the New York Drama League and the New York Outer Critics Circle.
for colored girls… marked Brown’s Broadway directorial debut. She is the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on Broadway in more than 65 years.
- 5/3/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
‘for colored girls’ reviews celebrate ‘riveting’ Broadway revival and ‘resplendent’ Kenita R. Miller
Forty-six years after the original production of Ntozake Shange’s legendary choreopoem “for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf,” a sterling revival has returned to Broadway in the very same house where the original ran for nearly two years. Shange’s classic work consists of poems performed by seven different Black women – identified as different colors of the rainbow – that chronicle their joys, triumphs, and struggles. This mounting features the work of Tony-nominated choreographer Camille A. Brown, who also directs. The revival opened on April 20 at the Booth Theatre.
The ensemble cast stars Amara Granderson, Tendayi Kuumba, Kenita R. Miller, Okwui Okpokwasili, Stacey Sargeant, Alexandria Wailes, and D. Woods, the majority of whom are making their Broadway debuts. The late Shange’s voice also opens the play, in a short address to a young Black girl that invites the audience to imagine with them the...
The ensemble cast stars Amara Granderson, Tendayi Kuumba, Kenita R. Miller, Okwui Okpokwasili, Stacey Sargeant, Alexandria Wailes, and D. Woods, the majority of whom are making their Broadway debuts. The late Shange’s voice also opens the play, in a short address to a young Black girl that invites the audience to imagine with them the...
- 4/26/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The Drama Leauge announced the nominations for the 2022 Drama League Awards on Monday morning. Deneé Benton and André DeShields announced the nominees at this morning’s official event at The New York Library for the Performing Arts. The Drama League honors both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions in their annual celebration. Winners will be announced at the 88th Annual Drama League Awards, which will be held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Friday, May 20.
While the League doles out four production prizes, what makes them unique is their “Distinguished Performance” award. Up to fifty performers are nominated for the honor each year in a category that combines roles of all genders and sizes. An actor can only win this prize once in their career, and once they have prevailed they can not be nominated again. This year, forty three performers contend in the category.
SEE2022 Tony Awards nominations announcement moving to May 9
This year,...
While the League doles out four production prizes, what makes them unique is their “Distinguished Performance” award. Up to fifty performers are nominated for the honor each year in a category that combines roles of all genders and sizes. An actor can only win this prize once in their career, and once they have prevailed they can not be nominated again. This year, forty three performers contend in the category.
SEE2022 Tony Awards nominations announcement moving to May 9
This year,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Director and choreographer Camille A. Brown and her cast of seven female singer-dancer-actors breathe life and vitality into Ntozake Shange’s still-potent mid-1970s touchstone for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf. Opening tonight at the Booth Theatre on Broadway, Shange’s fantasia of poetry, dance and stories of confession, defiance, sisterhood and, above all, perseverance, holds a power that’s not been weakened either by decades or the loss of a once startling newness.
Shange called her mix of spoken word set to dance and movement a “choreopoem,” a word as lovely and evocative today as it was when for colored girls (as it’s often abbreviated) began Off Broadway performances back in 1974. If the word itself seems tied to its era, the form would take root and work its influence on any number of theatrical works in any number of decades, from The...
Shange called her mix of spoken word set to dance and movement a “choreopoem,” a word as lovely and evocative today as it was when for colored girls (as it’s often abbreviated) began Off Broadway performances back in 1974. If the word itself seems tied to its era, the form would take root and work its influence on any number of theatrical works in any number of decades, from The...
- 4/21/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The ensemble of Second Stage Theatre’s revival of “Take Me Out” has waited over two years for the first pitch of this baseball drama on Broadway, but after the lengthy pandemic delay the remounting finally opened on April 4 at the Hayes Theater. Playwright Richard Greenberg’s Tony-winning play centers on fictional baseball team The Empires and chronicles the personal and professional fallout after the center-fielder Darren Lemming (Jesse Williams) reveals that he is gay. The ensemble boasts recognizable faces including Williams and Patrick J. Adams in their Broadway debuts, plus Broadway mainstays Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Brandon J. Dirden, and others under the direction of Tony-nominee Scott Ellis.
“Take Me Out” received strong notices from critics, who note how the play still feels relevant despite how much American culture has evolved in the past 20 years. In a Critic’s Pick review, Jesse Green (New York Times) calls the work “mostly delightful and provocative,...
“Take Me Out” received strong notices from critics, who note how the play still feels relevant despite how much American culture has evolved in the past 20 years. In a Critic’s Pick review, Jesse Green (New York Times) calls the work “mostly delightful and provocative,...
- 4/6/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
“It’s been a great season for Black playwrights,” Sam Eckmann says as he introduces Gold Derby’s first slugfest of the 2022 Tony Awards season. A whopping 20 new plays and play revivals are eligible this season, with many of those written by, directed by, and starring Black artists. Sam and I met six weeks ahead of the nominations – which will be announced on May 3 – to debate which productions, actors, and directors will make the shortlists. Watch the full video above.
From the jump, we tackle one of the biggest categories of the ceremony with Best Play but choose different frontrunners. While I have “The Lehman Trilogy” in first place for now since so many of the contenders have not yet even started previews, Sam warns, “You have to go back to 2007 with ‘Coast of Utopia’ to find a play that was closed by the time of the Tony ceremony that won.
From the jump, we tackle one of the biggest categories of the ceremony with Best Play but choose different frontrunners. While I have “The Lehman Trilogy” in first place for now since so many of the contenders have not yet even started previews, Sam warns, “You have to go back to 2007 with ‘Coast of Utopia’ to find a play that was closed by the time of the Tony ceremony that won.
- 4/2/2022
- by David Buchanan and Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf, directed and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown has announced its full cast and creative team, with performances set to begin at the Booth Theatre on Friday, April 1 and opening night on Wednesday, April 20.
Joining the cast are Amara Granderson as Lady in Orange, Tendayi Kuumba as Lady in Brown, Kenita R. Miller as Lady in Red, Okwui Okpokwasili as Lady in Green, Stacey Sargeant as Lady in Blue, Alexandria Wailes as Lady in Purple, and D. Woods as Lady in Yellow.
The revival will feature set design by Myung Hee Cho, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Jiyoun Chang, sound design by Justin Ellington, projection design by Aaron Rhyne, and hair design by Cookie Jordan. The show also will feature...
Joining the cast are Amara Granderson as Lady in Orange, Tendayi Kuumba as Lady in Brown, Kenita R. Miller as Lady in Red, Okwui Okpokwasili as Lady in Green, Stacey Sargeant as Lady in Blue, Alexandria Wailes as Lady in Purple, and D. Woods as Lady in Yellow.
The revival will feature set design by Myung Hee Cho, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Jiyoun Chang, sound design by Justin Ellington, projection design by Aaron Rhyne, and hair design by Cookie Jordan. The show also will feature...
- 2/28/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Makeup and Hairstylist Guild will be honoring Jon Favreau with their Distinguished Artisan Award at the 9th Annual Muahs Awards on Feb. 29.
“Jon Favreau’s list of creative, exotic, and memorable characters lives on in his plethora of films, television movies and series. Jon is the ultimate collaborator who has worked alongside many 706 artists to help create memorable characters of all kinds in a myriad of different roles. We are thrilled to present the Artisan award to Jon as he is highly respected by make-up artists and hair stylists worldwide,” said Julie Socash, President of IATSE Local 706.
Favreau is currently showrunner and executive producer of “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian,” which garnered 39 Emmy Award nominations, winning 14 Emmys as well as numerous nominations and awards; and “The Book of Boba Fett” for Disney+. Favreau, no stranger to the “Star Wars” galaxy, has played roles in both the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars...
“Jon Favreau’s list of creative, exotic, and memorable characters lives on in his plethora of films, television movies and series. Jon is the ultimate collaborator who has worked alongside many 706 artists to help create memorable characters of all kinds in a myriad of different roles. We are thrilled to present the Artisan award to Jon as he is highly respected by make-up artists and hair stylists worldwide,” said Julie Socash, President of IATSE Local 706.
Favreau is currently showrunner and executive producer of “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian,” which garnered 39 Emmy Award nominations, winning 14 Emmys as well as numerous nominations and awards; and “The Book of Boba Fett” for Disney+. Favreau, no stranger to the “Star Wars” galaxy, has played roles in both the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars...
- 1/31/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The international stage musical adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince will arrive on Broadway this spring a month later than previously expected, the latest production delayed by Covid.
The Little Prince will now begin previews at the Broadway Theatre on Tuesday, March 29, with an opening night set for Monday, April 11. The production, which combines dance, aerial acrobatics, video and music, had been set to begin performances on March 4.
Producers Broadway Entertainment Group made the announcement today. A spokesperson said the date change was prompted by “the always changing challenges of bringing an international company to New York during the pandemic.”
Earlier this week, the Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, postponed previews by a month to April 1 at the Booth Theatre after the Omicron surge necessitated a delay in rehearsals.
The Little Prince will now begin previews at the Broadway Theatre on Tuesday, March 29, with an opening night set for Monday, April 11. The production, which combines dance, aerial acrobatics, video and music, had been set to begin performances on March 4.
Producers Broadway Entertainment Group made the announcement today. A spokesperson said the date change was prompted by “the always changing challenges of bringing an international company to New York during the pandemic.”
Earlier this week, the Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, postponed previews by a month to April 1 at the Booth Theatre after the Omicron surge necessitated a delay in rehearsals.
- 1/27/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, has postponed its opening by a month, with performances now set to begin Friday, April 1, at the Booth Theatre. The official opening night is now Wednesday, April 20.
The revival previously had been set to begin performances on March 4, with the opening night of March 24.
No reason was given for the delay. Broadway recently has seen a number of productions close or go on hiatus as the Omicron variant takes a toll on box office.
Full casting and creative team for for colored girls… will be announced at a later date.
The much anticipated production will mark the Broadway directorial debut of Brown, who will become the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on a Broadway production in more than 65 years.
The revival previously had been set to begin performances on March 4, with the opening night of March 24.
No reason was given for the delay. Broadway recently has seen a number of productions close or go on hiatus as the Omicron variant takes a toll on box office.
Full casting and creative team for for colored girls… will be announced at a later date.
The much anticipated production will mark the Broadway directorial debut of Brown, who will become the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on a Broadway production in more than 65 years.
- 1/25/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The first Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf will begin preview performances at the Booth Theatre on Friday, March 4, 2022, with the opening night set for Thursday, March 24, producers announced today.
Casting for the production, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, will be announced at a later date. For colored girls… will mark Brown’s Broadway directorial debut; she was Tony-nominated for her 2019 choreography of Tarell Alvin McCraney’ Choir Boy.
“Of all the shows to be given as an opportunity to debut as a first-time Broadway director and choreographer, for colored girls… feels like a gift,” said Brown in a statement. “I’m thrilled that I’ve been entrusted to combine all the parts of myself — dance, music and theater arts — to shape and share this timeless story again with the world.”
With for colored girls… Brown...
Casting for the production, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, will be announced at a later date. For colored girls… will mark Brown’s Broadway directorial debut; she was Tony-nominated for her 2019 choreography of Tarell Alvin McCraney’ Choir Boy.
“Of all the shows to be given as an opportunity to debut as a first-time Broadway director and choreographer, for colored girls… feels like a gift,” said Brown in a statement. “I’m thrilled that I’ve been entrusted to combine all the parts of myself — dance, music and theater arts — to shape and share this timeless story again with the world.”
With for colored girls… Brown...
- 11/15/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tony Award-nominated choreographer Camille A. Brown will make her Broadway directing debut with a 2022 production of Ntozake Shange’s 1976 classic for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, becoming what producers say is the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on a Broadway production in more than 65 years.
Brown previously choreographed director Leah C. Gardiner’s 2019 Off Broadway production of the play at The Public Theater. Her upcoming directing debut was announced today by producers Nelle Nugent, Ron Simons and Kenneth Teaton.
“I’m extremely thrilled and honored to helm this new production of for colored girls…,” Brown said in a statement. “It’s an amazing feeling to bring this seminal show back to Broadway 45 years after it opened at the Booth Theatre on September 15, 1976. I look forward to diving into the divine Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem and celebrating her legacy.”
Brown...
Brown previously choreographed director Leah C. Gardiner’s 2019 Off Broadway production of the play at The Public Theater. Her upcoming directing debut was announced today by producers Nelle Nugent, Ron Simons and Kenneth Teaton.
“I’m extremely thrilled and honored to helm this new production of for colored girls…,” Brown said in a statement. “It’s an amazing feeling to bring this seminal show back to Broadway 45 years after it opened at the Booth Theatre on September 15, 1976. I look forward to diving into the divine Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem and celebrating her legacy.”
Brown...
- 8/16/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The executive producer of Harlem’s Apollo Theater, the president of John Prine’s Oh Boy Records (and widow of the late folk music icon), and ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro are among President Joe Biden’s intended nominees for the National Council on the Arts.
The eight-person list, posted on the White House website, also includes choreographer and educator Christopher Morgan and Kansas Poet Laureate Huascar Medina.
The National Council on the Arts was established in 1965, with members appointed by the president and approved by the Senate for staggered six-year terms, advises the National Endowment for the Arts on agency policies and programs, and reviews and makes recommendations on applications for grants, funding guidelines, and leadership initiatives. If approved, Biden’s nominees will join other members serving now.
Biden’s roster of nominees is:
Kamilah Forbes, executive producer at the Apollo Theater. A veteran stage director and producer, Forbes’ Broadway...
The eight-person list, posted on the White House website, also includes choreographer and educator Christopher Morgan and Kansas Poet Laureate Huascar Medina.
The National Council on the Arts was established in 1965, with members appointed by the president and approved by the Senate for staggered six-year terms, advises the National Endowment for the Arts on agency policies and programs, and reviews and makes recommendations on applications for grants, funding guidelines, and leadership initiatives. If approved, Biden’s nominees will join other members serving now.
Biden’s roster of nominees is:
Kamilah Forbes, executive producer at the Apollo Theater. A veteran stage director and producer, Forbes’ Broadway...
- 6/24/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Kathryn Hahn, Keanu Reeves, Debbie Allen, Ellen Burstyn and Bobby Cannavale are among the actors who’ll take part in this year’s virtual Spotlight on Plays series benefitting The Actors Fund.
Performers and directors were announced today by producer Jeffrey Richards for the series that kicks off March 25 with Larissa FastHorse’s The Thanksgiving Play, to be directed by Leigh Silverman.
Other artists to be featured in the spring series include Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Heidi Schreck, Alia Shawkat, Heather Alicia Simms, Alicia Stith and more, with additional details to be announced.
The play series, launched last year on the Broadway’s Best Shows website, features actors performing the works remotely, with the readings pre-recorded and edited. This year’s line-up of plays and directors include:
The Thanksgiving Play (March 25)
By Larissa FastHorse, Directed by Leigh Silverman
Angry, Raucous And Shamelessly Gorgeous (April 9)
By Pearl Cleage, Directed...
Performers and directors were announced today by producer Jeffrey Richards for the series that kicks off March 25 with Larissa FastHorse’s The Thanksgiving Play, to be directed by Leigh Silverman.
Other artists to be featured in the spring series include Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Heidi Schreck, Alia Shawkat, Heather Alicia Simms, Alicia Stith and more, with additional details to be announced.
The play series, launched last year on the Broadway’s Best Shows website, features actors performing the works remotely, with the readings pre-recorded and edited. This year’s line-up of plays and directors include:
The Thanksgiving Play (March 25)
By Larissa FastHorse, Directed by Leigh Silverman
Angry, Raucous And Shamelessly Gorgeous (April 9)
By Pearl Cleage, Directed...
- 3/8/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The upcoming season of Encores! at New York’s City Center will include an adaptation by Pose‘s Billy Porter of The Life, a musical last seen in New York on Broadway in 1997.
Porter’s adaptation, which he’ll direct, is one of two upcoming Encores! productions reviving rarely staged Broadway musicals centering on Black lives; also in development is director Kenny Leon’s production of 1983’s The Tap Dance Kid. The two productions – a third remains to be announced – will mark the long-running series’ first season under the artistic direction of Lear deBessonet.
“I believe the future of a thriving Encores! has three prongs,” deBessonet said in a statement. “Revivals of hidden gems, productions where artists reclaim work for our time through their own personal lens, and celebrations that look at the ways musical theater can connect us, in this city and across the country. These upcoming projects hold seeds of all three tenets.
Porter’s adaptation, which he’ll direct, is one of two upcoming Encores! productions reviving rarely staged Broadway musicals centering on Black lives; also in development is director Kenny Leon’s production of 1983’s The Tap Dance Kid. The two productions – a third remains to be announced – will mark the long-running series’ first season under the artistic direction of Lear deBessonet.
“I believe the future of a thriving Encores! has three prongs,” deBessonet said in a statement. “Revivals of hidden gems, productions where artists reclaim work for our time through their own personal lens, and celebrations that look at the ways musical theater can connect us, in this city and across the country. These upcoming projects hold seeds of all three tenets.
- 9/18/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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